Before beginning her last year of college at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Denise Reed-Thomas was eager to get hands-on experience in her field of choice. To fulfill the 12-credit-hour internship required by her major program in hospitality and tourism management, she gained lodging experience at the Hampton Inn and Suites in Pine Bluff over the summer.
During her internship, Reed-Thomas helped manage the front desk and assisted in the laundry department. She received hands-on experience observing hotel operations and teamwork, learning how staff coordinate to maintain efficiency and welcome guest services.
“Having the chance to get first-hand experience in the industry was a great supplement to the knowledge I gained in the classroom at UAPB,” Reed-Thomas said. “At times, the work was challenging — especially when I was stationed by myself and had to keep up with the laundry. However, what I enjoyed most was seeing how the team of employees came together to solve problems and make the work load easier.”
UAPB Associate Professor Suzzette Shaw Goldmon, coordinator of UAPB’s hospitality and tourism management program, said Reed-Thomas was an “instant hit” at the hotel.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“When I conducted a site visit, everyone from the front desk to the laundry room talked about how much they loved having her there,” she said. “Her trainer called her ‘a jewel!'”
Goldmon said internships such as these allow students to gain important experiential learning prior to graduation. She spends time getting to know the students individually and works to help them secure an internship in the area of their career interests.
“It is the perfect opportunity to merge classroom theory with operational practicalities and implementation,” she said. “Having students rotate throughout all areas in internship facilities not only exposes them to the full scope of hospitality operations, but also gives them the confidence and skills needed to succeed in their future careers.”
Reed-Thomas said she recommends students consider enrolling in UAPB’s hospitality and tourism management program for its engaging coursework, lab exercises and internship opportunities. She said the degree opens students up to a variety of lucrative careers in hotels, resorts, event planning and the travel industry.
“When I was in high school, I really enjoyed my family and consumer science class — learning to cook and bake was really exciting for me,” she said. “When I enrolled at UAPB, it seemed only natural to enroll in hospitality and tourism management in the Department of Human Sciences.”
In the future, Reed-Thomas plans to start her own event planning business.
For more information on UAPB’s hospitality and tourism management program, contact UAPB Associate Professor Suzzette Shaw Goldmon at goldmons@uapb.edu.
Will Hehemann is an extension specialist of communications with the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences.
